The government has defended its economic and development agenda, saying strong growth, rising tourist arrivals and increased investment in healthcare and social protection showed the country remained on a steady development path despite criticism from opposition leaders.
“The economy continues to demonstrate resilience across key sectors,” Mwaura said in a statement, adding that the government remained focused on delivering inclusive growth and equitable development.
The government rejected calls by some opposition politicians urging tourists to avoid visiting Kenya, describing the remarks as damaging to one of the country’s largest foreign exchange earners.
It said international tourist arrivals rose to 2.7 million in 2025 from 1.48 million in 2022, while domestic tourism under the Tembea Kenya campaign attracted 5.2 million local travellers, bringing total tourist movements to about 7.9 million.
Mwaura also praised Kenyans for defending the country’s international reputation following comments by a U.S. based content creator that the government said portrayed Kenya negatively.
He said Kenya’s growing agricultural exports, international sporting success and expanding diplomatic engagement had strengthened its global profile, citing President William Ruto’s participation at the G7 Summit after Nairobi hosted the Africa Forward Summit.
On national cohesion, the government urged political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could divide communities or discourage investment, saying development projects were being implemented across all counties regardless of political affiliation.
The government encouraged taxpayers to utilise its Tax Amnesty Programme, which runs from July 1 to 31 December 2026, offering a full waiver of penalties, fines and interest on eligible tax arrears accumulated before 31 December 2025.
Addressing debate over the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the government denied online claims that the proposed law would create a state-controlled “super Sacco” or interfere with members’ savings. It said the legislation was intended to improve payment systems, strengthen financial stability and better protect members’ deposits.
With forecasts pointing to potentially heavier El Niño rains later this year, the government said national and county authorities had intensified disaster preparedness by reinforcing drainage systems, identifying evacuation centres, positioning relief supplies and supporting farmers to reduce the impact of flooding and landslides.
On food security, the government said it had disbursed Ksh1.8 billion (USD13.9 million) under the Hunger Safety Net Programme to 133,484 vulnerable households, with each beneficiary receiving a monthly stipend of 2,700 shillings. It said additional measures included distributing drought-resistant seeds, livestock feed and expanding irrigation projects.
Kenya also signed a five-year health partnership with the United States to support implementation of Universal Health Coverage. Under the agreement, the United States will provide USD1.686 billion, while Kenya will contribute USD850 million to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, workforce development and service delivery.
The government said 7,414 Universal Health Coverage workers had been moved from contract terms to permanent and pensionable employment, and dismissed claims that funds managed under the Social Health Authority were controlled by private entities.
To cushion consumers against volatility in global oil prices, the government extended the reduced 8% value-added tax on petroleum products until 14 October 2026, and allocated 945 million shillings from the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilise fuel prices during the July-August pricing cycle.
Mwaura said the government would continue prioritising economic growth, healthcare, food security and social protection while calling on Kenyans to reject divisive politics and support efforts aimed at strengthening national unity and economic transformation.
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